The state has released updated guidance on youth and adult recreational sports.
The revised rules, released late Monday by the California Department of Public Health, apply to all organized youth and adult sports, including school activities, community programs and private leagues. They dictate physical conditioning, practice, so-called skill building and training can be done outdoors, provided you’re able to maintain six feet of physical distance in all counties, including those under the state’s regional stay-at-home order.
Actual competition won’t be allowed in California until January 25, at the earliest.
That date "will be reassessed" by January 4, with COVID-19 surge levels and ICU bed capacity as a measuring stick.
"Despite how hard it has been to do this for so many months, it’s imperative now more than ever that we all follow public health guidance by staying home and not mixing with other households," said Dr. Erica Pan, Acting State Public Health Officer. "I know as a parent and athlete myself, how important exercise is to maintain physical and mental health, and we encourage members of the same household to do physical activities together and outdoors until the current and alarming surge passes.
The state also released a detailed graphic, explaining which sports will be permissible in certain COVID-19 reopening tiers (widespread, substantial, moderate and minimal):
The state has released new guidelines for youth and adult sports, which will be allowed to proceed with competition as early as next month in different COVID-19 reopening tiers.California Department of Public Health
"We need everyone to take seriously their responsibility to protect their entire community, and in the meantime, we all can look forward to these activities we can resume in 2021," Dr. Pan added.
Local health officers and school districts have the ability to tighten restrictions further, if they want to.
The guidelines were developed by the California Interscholastic Federation and the California Association of Recreation and Park Districts.
